The Secrets of Venetian Mosaics
2 weeks
May 13 - May 25, 2012 

Learn the ancient art of creating beautiful mosaics using the Venetian technique taught by Italian Maestro, Giulio Menossi. 

You will be introduced to the basic and varied techniques of using the hammer and hardi, and you will learn how to cut and shape tesserae precisely. In addition, Maestro Menossi will explain the intricacies of color blending and the discipline of proper andamento. 

Using these techniques, you will create two mosaics - one in the direct method and the other in the Venetian Method. This course is suitable for beginners and those wishing to improve their skills.  

At the end of the course you will leave with a completed mosaic and a Certificate of Completion in Venetian Mosaic Techniques.

Landscape
2 weeks
May 27 - June 8, 2012
student - 2011

Let your Italian surroundings be your inspiration as Maestro Menossi guides you in making a mosaic of a beautiful Italian landscape. 

In this challenging exercise, you will be introduced to the techniques of perspective, the subtleties of shading, and shown how to create atmospheric effects. Special attention is also given to learning the correct andamento for the rendering water, density, flow, clouds and sky.

Bring life and realism to your mosaic portraits by learning the specific andamento required for the face, neck, and hair, color shading, and precise cutting and placing of tesserae.

Maestro Menossi is renowned for his portraiture mosaics, and during this two-week course he shares the tips and tricks he has gained over his career. This knowledge will be practically demonstrated as Maestro Menossi individually guides you through each stage of your mosaic portrait.  

You will receive a Certificate of Completion, Master Class Portraiture , Venetian Mosaic Technique.

Icon Portraiture
2 weeks
June 24  - July 6, 2012

mosaic by Menossi

The word icon is derived from the Greek eikon, meaning an image  The focus of this course will be the religious icon.

Creating a Icon Portrait differs dramatically from portraiture because each aspect within an Icon contains symbolic meaning.  Drawing on his experience of producing hundreds of religious Icon portraits in his career, Maestro Menossi will share his knowledge about this challenging genre. 

As you create your own Icon Portrait mosaic, you will be instructed in the symbolic meaning of color and be shown the specific andamento and placement of tesserae to produce a radiant Icon.  

You will receive a Certificate of Completion, Master Class Icon Portraiture, Venetian Mosaic Technique

All cutting will be done utilizing hammer and hardi.  Maestro Menossi  is attentive during the entire course helping you learn the  proper use of the hammer and hardi so that you will develop the techniques necessary to make the cuts required for any design you  might be creating..  

You will learn specific the specific styles, principles  and techniques of andamento, shading, color theory and selection and the Venetian process of gluing, flipping, cleaning and setting  your mosaic. Maestro Menossi will demonstrate in each class, using a small mosaic, the entire Venetian Technique of flipping, cleaning and setting.

All material will be provided, including glue, smalti, substrate, paper, pencils, tweezers, rulers. Hammer and  hardi,  (no nippers) and you may also purchase a hammer and hardi from the Maestro’s tool maker.  

If you have particular tools that you find useful and want to bring them please feel free to do so.  

Included in the cost:

•    The hammer and hardi will be provided and all materials for the course.
•    Daily, direct and consistent instruction from the Maestro personally
•    Access to over 1800 smalti colors
•    Opening course reception to get to know one another and get oriented to the laboratory 
•    All Instruction and working materials (written, smalti, substrates, etc.)
•    Closing dinner with the group and the Maestro to celebrate your accomplishments
•    You will receive a Master Certificate.
 You will also have a day tour of Aquileia and Grado (if the weather permits)

Not included in your cost:

•    Food
•    Housing
•    Transportation to and from Udine
•    Transportation to and from Maestro Menossi’s laboratory
•    Cost of hammer and/or hardi which need to be ordered and paid for in advance of the class… or you may bring your own hammer the hardi will be provided.
•    Any other personal or miscellaneous items that you might desire.  Including shipping your mosaic or mosaic material home. 

Cost:

Minimum number of students is  6, maximum 10, in order to maintain the intimate atmosphere that is most successful for learning.

Each course is 750 euro a week

If you are interested in attending one of these course in beautiful Northern Italy, taught by  Maestro Menossi,  please click on the Registration/Payment link to the left:  fill out the registration form and contact me about payment options. I will be sending you further information about a month before the course begins.